PhD in Synthetic Cells for Carbon Capture and Cancer Drug Delivery at Imperial College London and King's College London

Imperial College London and King's College London are offering two fully funded PhD opportunities through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Chemical Biology. These positions focus on the development of synthetic cell technologies for impactful applications in carbon capture and cancer drug delivery. The projects are highly collaborative and multidisciplinary, involving world-leading laboratories at both institutions. The research areas include engineering synthetic cells—biomimetic entities constructed from both living and non-living components—to capture and transport CO2, contributing to net zero initiatives. Another focus is on developing synthetic cell-based systems for targeted cancer drug delivery, advancing healthcare biotechnology. The projects integrate chemical synthesis, membrane protein expression, synthetic cell engineering, lab automation, and machine learning, providing comprehensive training in cutting-edge techniques. Supervisors include Dr James Hindley (King's College London), Professor Laura Barter, Professor Oscar Ces, and Professor Nicholas Long (Imperial College London). The program is open to both Home and Overseas applicants. Home fee status applicants receive an enhanced stipend up to £10,000 above the UKRI minimum, with tuition and stipend fully covered. Overseas applicants may apply for a limited number of CDT international student scholarships. Enhanced stipend recipients will participate in TechExpert activities, including outreach and industry engagement. Applicants should have a strong academic background in chemical biology, physical sciences, chemistry, biology, or related fields, and a keen interest in multidisciplinary research. The application deadline is Friday, 30th January 2026, at 5pm. For more information and to apply, visit the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology website. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisors for further discussion.